Question

Keratomalacia is the deficiency symptom of
A. Vitamin A
B. Protein energy malnutrition
C. Phylloquinone
D. Nicotinamide

Answer 1

Keratomalacia is a disease that occurs in the eyes due to vitamin deficiency. In this disease the cornea of the eye gets cloudy, softened and opaque. The softening of corneas can lead to infection, rupture, and tissue changes that may result in blindness. Keratomalacia is also called as xerotic keratitis or corneal melting. It is most common in developing countries.

Complete explanation:
Option A) Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a group of fat soluble organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. Vitamin A is important for growth and development, for the maintenance of the immune system and for good vision. In eyes, the retina needs vitamin A for both low light vision and colour vision. Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to the disease called keratomalacia.
Option A is correct.
Option B) Protein energy malnutrition: Protein energy malnutrition is a nutritional deficiency that occurs due to inadequate calorie or protein intake. Protein malnutrition can lead to any one of the two diseases: marasmus or kwashiorkor. The main characteristics of this disease are weight loss, wasting of body fat and muscle mass, low height etc. Keratomalacia is not caused by protein malnutrition.
Option B is incorrect.
Option C) Phylloquinone: Phylloquinone also known as vitamin $K1$ is required for blood coagulation and bone and vascular metabolism. Vitamin $K1$ is present in all green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli etc. Deficiency of vitamin $K1$ is rare in humans however if present it can lead to excessive bleeding.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D) Nicotinamide: Nicotinamide is also known as vitamin $B3$ or niacin. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It plays many important roles in the body. It converts food into energy and helps the body to use proteins and fats. It also keeps the skin, hair, and nervous system healthy. Deficiency of $B3$ leads to pellagra.
Option D is incorrect.

Hence, Option A) Vitamin A is the correct answer.

Note:
Vitamin A deficiency also causes infections like measles and diarrhoea. It raises the risk of anaemia and death in pregnant women by negatively impacting the fetus by slowing growth and development. Less severe symptoms include skin issues like hyperkeratosis and acne. Premature infants, people with cystic fibrosis and pregnant or breastfeeding women are at higher risk of vitamin A deficiency.